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IRS Issues Advice on How Millions Can File Returns for Free

March 26, 2025
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The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued advice for taxpayers about free tax filing services.

With the tax deadline of April 15 fast approaching, millions of Americans are still yet to file their annual tax return. As of March 14, more than 70 million returns had already been filed this year, but an estimated 90 million are outstanding when compared to last year’s filing data.

Tax filing can be burdensome, and in some cases expensive. But there are options for certain taxpayers to file free of charge. Newsweek has gathered what you need to know about all of the free filing options available this tax season.

Direct File

Direct File is a web-based service that allows taxpayers to submit simple returns directly with the government agency completely free of charge, eliminating the need for a third-party tax preparation service.

The IRS launched its Direct File pilot in 12 U.S. states in March 2024. It has now been expanded to 25 states.

You can use Direct File for your federal taxes if you lived and worked in these states for all of 2024:

  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Connecticut
  • Florida
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Kansas
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Washington
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

IRS Free File

Eight companies participating in a public-private partnership with the IRS offer free tax preparation software through IRS Free File. It offers guided tax software to taxpayers with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $84,000 or less.

Free File offers several benefits to taxpayers. Individuals or married couples who meet the income limitations are potentially eligible to use the service, which can also handle complex tax returns. It can also help users find and calculate valuable tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and the Child and Dependent Care Credit.

Stock image/file photo: A Form 1040, used for filing income taxes.

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IRS Free File is available on a computer, tablet or smartphone. All products are available in English, and one guided tax product is also offered in Spanish, and unlike Direct File, it is available in every U.S. state.

If you don’t qualify, IRS Free File still provides forms that any taxpayer, regardless of income, can use if they prefer to prepare their own return.

VITA and TCE

Individuals who earn $67,000 or less, people with disabilities, those with limited English proficiency, and taxpayers aged 60 and older can receive free, one-on-one tax preparation assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs.

These services are available nationwide and are operated by IRS partner organizations, with IRS-certified volunteers providing reliable tax return preparation.

MilTax

Provided by the Department of Defense, MilTax is a free tax resource designed for military members, eligible veterans, and their families.

This service addresses the unique tax situations of military life, including deployments, combat and training pay, housing, and multistate filings.

It offers tax preparation and e-filing software, expert guidance from tax consultants, and up-to-date filing information. Eligible users can file a federal tax return and up to three state returns completely free of charge.



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